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Boulder Valley applying for Race to the Top grant to support individualized learning plans

By Amy Bounds Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
09/05/2012 08:54:03 PM MDT

Updated:
09/05/2012 10:31:32 PM MDT

The Boulder Valley School District wants to make learning more personal for students, creating plans based on their learning styles and making sure high schoolers take classes for college credit or that relate to a future job.

To get those plans off the ground, the district is applying for a new, highly competitive federal Race to the Top grant money that's open to school districts and targets at-risk students. Previously, Race to the Top money was only available to states.

Nationwide, 893 districts have formally indicated they will apply for a share of the $400 million available.

Boulder Valley Superintendent Bruce Messinger said the district wouldn't scrap its plans if the grant money doesn't come through, but instead would likely change the timeline and the scope.

"We want to build on work we're already doing, expand and sustain it," he said.

One of the district's big needs is a better data management system, he said. Without it, teachers and the support staff don't have easy access to the all data they would need to develop and monitor personalized plans. Training also would be key.

If approved, Boulder Valley would receive between $10 million and $20 million over four years. Amounts are based on the district size and other criteria.

In Colorado, 12 school districts, four boards of cooperative educational services -- which represent a consortium of smaller districts -- and one charter school have formally indicated that they will apply. Along with Boulder Valley, other large districts applying include Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools. The application deadline is Oct. 30.

Deirdre Pilch, Boulder Valley's assistant superintendent for school leadership, said she's looking at research on personalized learning plans, including extending the school day or school year for some students.

"We're looking at how we really impact students' learning on an individual basis," she said. "Not all students need the same thing. Some students need something different."

One piece of the plan would be college and career readiness. She said the district is looking at community mentors, internships and a more concerted effort to get students tasking college-level classes in high school.

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